The correct option is : (b) 6
Explanation :
Here, we have given n=3 and l = 1.
So, we have given values of principal quantum number and angular quantum number.
The principal quantum number (n) denotes the energy level or the principal shell to which electron belongs. It gives an idea of the size of the shell and hence the energy of the orbit.
Here, n=3 indicates electrons are present in energy level 3.
The angular quantum number (l) denotes the subshell to which the electron belongs and also its angular momentum in its motion around the nucleus. It determines the shape of the orbital.
l = 0,1,2,3 indicates s, p, d, f sub-shell respectively.
We have given l =1 that indicates electrons are present in subshell p.
So, n=3 and l = 1 indicates electrons are present in the 3p subshell.
The number of orbitals for a given value of an angular quantum number can be calculated using the formula
(2l + 1)2l + 1).
Here the value of l is 1
So, (2l + 1) = 3(2l + 1) = 3
The p subshell has a maximum of 3 orbitals and each orbital contains a maximum of 2 electrons.
So, a maximum of 6 electrons fit in the orbital for which n=3 and l = 1
